Dr. Jesse A. Blumenthal

Dr. Jesse Arthur Blumenthal of Delancey, NY passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2026, surrounded by his family who loved him. 

He was born on November 19, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Lafayette High School, where his father served as both the dean of boys and a chemistry teacher. With his father’s summers free, Jesse spent his summers working alongside his family on a chicken farm in the Upper Hudson Valley. Caring for animals, building chicken barns, fixing whatever broke, and exploring the woods influenced his two lifelong callings of practicing medicine and being an avid outdoorsman.

Besides being an exceptional surgeon, Jesse Blumenthal was an extraordinary human being from the start. At just 16 years old, he attended Columbia University on a full scholarship, where he continued for medical school. He was the original Doogie Howser MD, long before the show existed. His early academic start wasn’t just a sign of his intelligence; it was also a sign of his determination and dedication. After his residency, Jesse served in the United States Army as a captain and a surgeon in Vietnam. Those years of service and experience shaped his skills as a vascular and trauma surgeon, deepening his understanding and value of human life which enabled him to save countless patients.

After returning from his tour of duty in Vietnam, he worked at several different hospitals in New York City before spending his longest tenure at St. Vincents Hospital, where he combined his experience, knowledge, instincts and selflessness that would define him as an extraordinary surgeon. He later became the Chief of Trauma Services at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, where he treated countless patients as well as mentored countless medical students and residents. Many of his students credit their careers and their confidence to his guidance, his patience, and the way he taught by example. Over the decades of his medical career, he treated and saved more lives than anyone could possibly count. As Chief of Trauma, he oversaw the medical response to the 9/11 attacks, leading with steadiness, clarity, and profound compassion during one of the darkest moments in modern history. His dedication to his patients as well as colleagues was unparalleled and constant. His service and contributions throughout his remarkable career have made the world better in ways that will endure long beyond our lifetimes.

People often described Jesse Blumenthal as a walking encyclopedia—someone everyone fought to have on their Trivial Pursuit team. If you played against him, you rarely got a turn. He seemed to know everything but never made anyone feel small. He was awkward in the most charming ways, hilarious without trying, and devilishly handsome without noticing. Jesse Blumenthal was always just always there for anyone in need without hesitation. To his family, he was a son, a dad, a godfather, a husband, a brother, a cousin and a friend. Loving, without overtly showing it, loyal, patient, compassionate, fun and always ready with a dry joke or eloquently told story that made everyone smile and laugh. He gave more than he took, made people feel safe and was always in your corner.

Jesse spent his last years on his farm in Delancey, NY in the Catskill Mountains with his family. The farm was his happy place where he was able to spend his retirement doing what he loved, enjoying the outdoors with his son Kevin. He also was fortunate to spend his last years watching his beautiful granddaughters grow.

Jesse was predeceased by his parents, Nat and Mary Blumenthal, his older brother Elliott Blumenthal and his wife, Cornelia Fallis Blumenthal, whom he loved and missed deeply. He is survived by his son, Kevin Blumenthal, and his wife, Dana Marzullo, along with their children, Gianna and Frances Blumenthal, who adored living with their grandfather since their birth. He is also survived by his son, Daniel Blumenthal. In addition, he is survived by Andrea Fassler, Stephen Schnabel, and Julian Schnabel, cousins by relation, but siblings in every other sense, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who carry his memory in their hearts.

 A memorial service will be held in New York City at a date to be determined in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.tunnel2towers.org or the Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org  on Jesse’s behalf.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the family.